Medically Reviewed By
Expert Fact Checked
This page was medically reviewed by Benjamin Wei on November 12, 2019. For information on our content creation and review process read our editorial guidelines. If you notice an error or have comments or questions on our content please contact us.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, mesothelioma is often diagnosed in older individuals who worked with asbestos products. Prognosis for mesothelioma is poor, but early detection and new treatment provide hope for many patients.
Free 2024 Mesothelioma Guide
Recognizing
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Patients begin to show signs of cancer around 10 to 50 years after their initial exposure to asbestos. Symptoms will differ by the type of mesothelioma, but these early symptoms are often mistaken for more common ailments, like the flu, pneumonia or lung cancer. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma early will increase treatment options and improve overall prognosis.
Shortness of breath
Persistent cough
Chest pain
Fatigue
Fever
Weight Loss-
Common Mesothelioma Symptoms
Shortness of breath Persistent cough Chest pain Fatigue Fever Weight Loss
How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Malignant mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because of its long latency period and nonspecific symptoms. Doctors will use a series of tests (imaging, biopsies) to diagnose the cancer and determine its stage. The stage and other diagnostic details will provide information about your prognosis – that is, how the disease is likely to progress and what your life expectancy may be.
Life Expectancy
Most mesothelioma patients live between 6 months and 2 years after diagnosis.
MoreSurvival Rate
About 40% of patients live 1 year, while only 20% live 2 years or longer.
More
Stages of Mesothelioma
- No spreading of the cancer
- More treatment options
- Average survival of 21 months (epithelioid)
- Average survival of 17.5 months (non-epithelioid)
- Limited spreading to diaphragm or lung
- Curative treatment options available
- Average survival of 19 months (epithelioid)
- Average survival of 13 months (non-epithelioid)
- Spreading to nearby lymph nodes and organs that can be removed
- Fewer curative treatment options
- Average survival of 14 months (epithelioid)
- Average survival of 12 months (non-epithelioid)
- Spread to organs that cannot be removed, to distant lymph nodes or distant sites
- Treatment limited to palliative care
- Average survival of 11 months (epithelioid)
- Average survival of 9 months (non-epithelioid)
Types of Mesothelioma
Once diagnosed, your doctor will tell you what type of mesothelioma you have, including the cell type. There are three main types of mesothelioma based on the location in the body where tumors originate.
Mesothelioma
80%
- The most common type
- Forms in the lining of the lungs or chest wall
- About 2,500 new cases per year
Mesothelioma
20%
- Relatively rare type
- Affects the abdominal lining
- About 500 new cases per year
Mesothelioma
1%
- The least common type
- Develops in the lining of the heart
- Less than 50 new cases per year
Cell Type
Mesothelioma cancer is further categorized by the cell type that makes up the tumors. Each cell type grows and spreads in different ways, which ultimately affects how a patient may respond to cancer treatment and their life expectancy.
Send me a free guide.
Mail my free guide todayTreating Mesothelioma
Most often, mesothelioma is treated with a multimodal plan, or combination, of conventional cancer treatment methods including surgery and chemotherapy. Treatment will either focus on extending life expectancy or, at a late stage, focus on palliative care to relieve side effects. Research and clinical trials have found new hope for a potential cure with emerging treatments, like immunotherapy, to combat the disease and improve life expectancy.
After receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, the most important step is finding a mesothelioma doctor who specializes in asbestos-related diseases. They will be the best person to determine the most effective treatment options for your individual case, and will also be aware of the latest treatment advancements or clinical trials available. Creating a custom treatment plan with a mesothelioma doctor is the most effective way to improve prognosis.
-
Find a Doctor Near You
Search our database of mesothelioma specialists and cancer centers to find treatment opportunities near you.
Conventional Treatments
Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used together to treat mesothelioma.
More
Emerging Treatments
Researchers have found new treatment types and combinations in clinical trials that show promise in treating mesothelioma.
More
Understanding Your Legal Rights
Because so many companies knowingly put employees at risk of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma patients and their loved ones have legal rights. Filing a claim can help cover treatment costs, recover lost wages, and make sure companies are held accountable. Talk to an attorney to learn about your compensation options.
Asbestos is the Only Known Cause of Mesothelioma
Asbestos is a natural mineral once used in many products because of its durability and heat resistance. It was used most heavily in the United States from the 1930s to the 1970s, even though researchers confirmed the dangerous health risks of exposure in the 1920s. Despite the risks, asbestos is still not banned today, and it can still be found in old buildings and products.
Occupational Exposure
Studies show 125 million workers globally are exposed to asbestos on the job each year.
More
Mesothelioma & Veterans
Veterans of all military branches make up about one-third of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
More
Coping with Mesothelioma and Finding Support
As you learn about mesothelioma and move forward with treatment, it’s important to know you are never alone. Connecting with others in the community who can help you through the tough times.
Support Groups
Having the right support system can help overcome the trials that come with mesothelioma.
Advocate
Everyone can get involved in the fight to end mesothelioma and ban asbestos.
×